Come Down O Love Divine

iTunes Review

Fernando Ortega’s voice is a rare instrument, gently resonant in tone yet possessing underlying conviction and power. The veteran Christian singer/songwriter celebrates two decades of record-making with Come Down O Love Divine, a song collection that harkens back to his earliest strengths. From the start, Ortega has incorporated Celtic and Spanish musical influences into his sound, interlacing classical themes with an acoustic-folk approach. All of the above can be heard on his latest release as he sets his original lyrics to traditional compositions. With his sensitive piano playing at the center, he adds uplifting chorale vocals and tasteful guitar/drum backing to create a sustained mood of spiritual contemplation. From the timeless prayer “Kyrie I” through the communal worship number “Aaron’s Blessing,” Ortega keeps the tone inspirational and otherworldly. A misty atmosphere pervades “Our Great God,” while “Just As I Am” fuses a deeply personal lyric with a warmly-flowing track. He reaches back to the 15th Century (by way of modern-day composer Vaughan Williams) for the title number, infusing it with a mystical tenderness.